Newsletter - SJ Master Gardener

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Garden Notes
With the San Joaquin County
Master Gardeners
A P R I L - J U N E
San Joaquin
County
Master
Gardeners
2 0 1 3
Are You Ready For Spring?
Marcy Sousa Master Gardener Coordinator
The first vine ripened tomato may still be a few months away, but
there’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden. Spring is probably the
busiest season for a gardener. Plants are waking up, weeds need to be
Garden Chores
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pulled, winter clean-up has to be done, spreading mulch and all before you can start planting this year's garden. The Master Gardener
Eco-Farm Conference
Program is as busy as ever. We are in the middle of our bi-annual
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Master Gardener training, with 51 students eager to graduate in June.
Our weekend workshops have been in full gear since January and fill
up quickly each month. We are currently getting ready for many loPests and Plants
4
Fireblight, wooly aphid, cal fairs, festivals and farmers markets and have even begun thinking
field bindweed, straw- about our next Smart gardening Conference. If you are at the Home
and Garden Show or the Earth Day Festival in Stockton during the
berry trees, lilies &
month of April, stop by and say hello! We are planning our first
olive shrubs.
backyard chicken talk for May that will be held at the Lodi Library.
As the weather gets nicer, we are seeing an increase in our hotline
Growing
calls. Remember if you have a gardening question give us a call and
we can hopefully help! Our number is 953-6112. Our website is full
Knowledge
6&7
“Gathering-Memoir of of information as well. We hope you find this issue of Garden Notes
informative, educational and entertaining.
a Seed Saver”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
“Garden Home”
Happy Gardening!
Internet Resources 9
Tough, Trendy,
Terrific Hypertufa
Local Garden Clubs
12
13
The Help Desk
14
Sweet Potato vs. Yam
Recipes
Asparagus Torta
15
Coming Events
16
MGs Bill Dunning and Rich
Kinzey working in the
native section of our
demonstration garden.
Attracting Frogs and Toads to your
Garden
Susan Price Master Gardener
Much has been written about
attracting birds, pollinators and
beneficial insects to our gardens
but what about toads, frogs, salamanders and newts? Aren’t
these creatures, collectively
called amphibians, worth inviting to our gardens? Yes, for
many reasons. They benefit our
local ecology by controlling insect populations.
Toads are unselective predators, feasting on
mosquitoes, algae, insects, earthworms and spi-
ders among others. Frogs favor insects
and spiders. Salamanders also eat insects as well as worms, slugs and other
soft vertebrates. Besides keeping garden
pests in check, their presence is a positive indicator that our broader environment is healthy and in balance. Like
much of our wildlife, natural habitat has
been lost due to urban development.
That, coupled with overuse of pesticides and
increasing populations of invasive species, has
led to decreasing numbers of many species.
Cont. pg 10
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Garden Chores Calendar
Sue Davis Master Gardener
You can click on
any of the blue
underlined
words in any of
the articles to
go to a webpage and learn
more about that
topic!
Spring, a time of renewal, means we get to be
outside more often and have many opportunities
to renew and enjoy our gardens.
April
Plant –
New trees and shrubs will need a hole about twice
the width of the root-ball. You’ll need to build a
cone of soil in the center tall enough so your new
plant will be level with the surrounding soil when
placed on top of it. Gently knock the plant from
its pot. Use your fingers to uncoil and separate
any bunched-up roots. If the root-ball is solid, use
a knife to score four 1/2-inch-deep cuts around
the sides and one on the bottom (don't do this to
plants with delicate root systems). Set the roots
atop the cone, refill the hole, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets. You should be
able to see the beginning of the root flare on trees
at or above the surrounding soil, especially a day
after the roots are watered in. Trees often settle
after being watered in and root flare should never
be allowed to go below ground level. Add a 2- to
3-inch layer of mulch around the plants, keeping
it at least 3 inches away from trunks and stems to
prevent rot or disease. This is a good time of
year to plant citrus trees.
Looking for an easy to grow perennial?
Try one of the many salvias (sage) now
available.
Freshen up your container gardens with
new plantings of colorful annuals such as
marigolds and petunias for sunny areas,
impatiens and fuchsias for shady areas.
Pest Control –
Red humped caterpillars will soon start
chewing the leaves of several varieties of
trees. Look for them massed on the undersides of the foliage; clip off and discard those leaves.
If leaves on your plants look chewed,
start searching for slugs and snails. Look
for these pests under boards and pots,
beneath lush foliage and in other hidden
areas. Pick them off and drop them into soapy
water. Handpicking can be very effective if done
thoroughly on a regular basis. At first you should
look for snails and slugs daily, paying careful
attention to potential hiding places. After the
population has noticeably declined, a weekly
handpicking can be
sufficient. For further
information on these
common pests, go to
the IPM website.
Keep a look out for
early aphid infestation
due to warm weather.
Spray with water to
help control them.
Maintenance –
Resist the urge to rototill excessively wet soil. This could compact
the ground, destroying tiny air pockets necessary
for plant root growth. Some Master Gardeners
are going to "no till gardening." A cover-crop is
planted in fall months and then in spring a weed
eater is used on the area. Starts and seeds are
planted in spring by just splitting the soil with a
shovel pry. While it goes against the grain for a
lot of us not to till, many farmers are using this
method and getting good results.
As you groom the garden, add trimmings to the
compost pile along with fruit and vegetable
waste. To process your compost pile quickly,
keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge and turn
it frequently. If you don’t have time to turn your
compost as frequently as you’d like, don’t forget
that the “let-it-rot” method also works; it just
takes longer.
Thinning improves the size of fruit, reduces the
risk of broken branches, and keeps trees producing well annually rather than in alternate years.
Before apples, Asian pears, nectarines, plums,
apricots, and peaches reach an inch in diameter,
gently twist off enough fruit to allow 4 to 6
inches between remaining fruit.
Start feeding houseplants on a monthly basis
now through October.
If you haven’t already checked your sprinklers,
now would be a good time to get it done. There
is a comprehensive spring tune-up guide for
sprinklers in the 2010 April – June Master Gardener Newsletter.
Cont. pg. 18 & 19
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Eco-Farm Conference Highlights
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Lee Miller Master Gardener
The 35th Eco-Farm Conference, as are all others, is dedicated to the promotion of organic farming and sustainable agriculture. The theme this
year was ‘Feed the World You Want to Live In.’ It is held each January in Asilomar and is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of
dedicated organic farmers both young and old and attend some great workshops, some of which have relevance for Master Gardeners. Food
is donated by organic food suppliers and farmers and the cooks at Asilomar work their magic with all these luscious raw materials.
Many attendees have their special life stories of involvement with organic growing which are incredible and inspiring. At breakfast one
morning, I talked with a young woman who is gardening on an acre in Sonoma and selling at the farmer’s market. She had just purchased a
Gorilla walking tractor and was looking forward to farming more land and someday ditching her day job. Another day I met a cabinet maker
who, weary of the greed and arrogance of some millionaire customers, is moving to Oregon to help his family with a new organic farming
venture.
Perhaps because of my background in ecology, I especially enjoyed one workshop which evaluated predator and pathogen diversity impacts
on a pest. I have always advocated a diverse and complex landscape of many plant types which in turn, would foster a diversity of pest
predators. The title of this workshop was “Are Balanced Agro-ecosystems Better for Pest Control?” The idea of balance in nature is widely
accepted, but seldom studied. At Washington State University, some PhD students set out to study the effects of various numbers of pest
control organisms on the Potato Beetle. In a very tediously conducted and well-designed study, combinations of pest controlling organisms,
ranging from 1 to 6 and combinations in between, were each tested in closed environments. More than one pest control organism worked
better at controlling potato beetles. Another study demonstrated that the evenness in the abundance of the pest controllers was important. If
one species was dominant in abundance and others in minor abundance, pest control was diminished. The general conclusion was that more
species are better--- at least most of the time, and if they are even in abundance, that works better too.
Another workshop featured two Oregon farmers, Frank Morton of Wild Garden Seed and Don Tipping of Seven Seeds Farm, who have incorporated seed saving and selling seeds as part of their farming operations. Plant selection for saving the best seeds to sell is an important
aspect of their operations. Many of their plant selection techniques should also be used by gardeners, like avoiding early bolting lettuces,
chard or beets. Also a priority, is keeping seed as pure as possible and true to its lineage by ruthless plant selection. A farming operation has
the advantage of many plants from which to select the best. This is not always true for the gardener.
There were workshops on pastured poultry raising, hard cider, cover cropping on vegetable farms, permaculture and the future of farming,
homesteading, food safety and restoring native habitats on farms. One workshop was on Gardening Schools which are springing up in lots of
places to teach kids about food and farming. They are a great adjunct to the hands-on efforts in our schools. Unfortunately, so many workshops run concurrently that it is impossible to attend but a few of them. It is a fun conference to attend with wine and beer tasting, movie
reviews, a seed swap and great food. The movie this year was “Symphony of the Soil,” a beautiful, well done two hour movie on soil formation, soil types and soil ecology. The movie’s producer and director were there to present it. It was a celebration of that thin layer of earth
that has made civilization possible. It was beautifully done and I highly recommend it.
They are already taking speaker/workshop recommendations for the 2014 conference. Share your thoughts here.
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Fireblight & Hackberry wooly aphid
4
Pests
and
Plants
of the
Season
UC IPM website
Integrated pest management, or "IPM," is
a process you can use
to solve pest problems
while minimizing
risks to people and the
environment. IPM can
be used to manage all
kinds of pests anywhere.
You can click on
any of the blue
underlined
words in any of
the articles to
go to a webpage and learn
more about that
topic!
Steve Sanguinetti Master Gardener
Fireblight is caused
by the bacteria Erwinia amylovora.
It is a very common
malady of almost
all pom fruit trees,
(apple, pear &
quince) as well as
some landscape
plants. This disease
gets its name from
the scorched dead
look of twigs and leaves. Infections appear
early in spring as cankers, but become
more evident as shoots appear. The most
common symptom is death of isolated
branches, not immediately adjacent to each
other. Often leaves of infected branches
will fail to fall off and can be clearly seen
in winter. It is most commonly spread by
rain splash and pollinators mixing among
healthy and diseased plants. Non chemical
control involves planting more resistant
varieties, pruning of damaged wood and
possibly complete removal of diseased
plants. Control through pruning will require entire removal of diseased wood beyond where cankers are evident. Chemical
control available to general public is limited to copper based compounds. Hopefully, this spring’s dry weather will hold
down the spread of this disease. Click here
for more information including varieties
less susceptible to fireblight.
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Hackberry wooly aphid, Shivaphis celti, has become an
almost ubiquitous pest of Chinese Hackberry trees in the
Central Valley Chinese Hackberry trees were once
thought to be one of the most disease and pest free of
trees and so became commonly planted in landscapes,
streetscapes and parks. First noticed in California in
2002, it is now common on most all Chinese Hackberry
trees. It can be identified by a white or bluish white
fuzzy mass about 1/8-inch in size and by the profuse
sticky honeydew they drip. Since it is an introduced
invasive pest, few if any biological controls are available so far. Like most aphid host plants, the problem is
aggravated by excessive foliage vigor and association
with ants. Avoid fertilizing trees that don’t have a specific need and control ant populations around trees.
Spraying of full sized Hackberry trees, often in excess
of 50 ft. height high, can be ineffective and problematic.
A common systemic insecticide, Imidachloprid, is available for control through soil drench, but like all insecticides, can have harmful side effects to beneficials.
Think twice before using as a soil drench where flowering plants are nearby. The absorption of this insecticide
is not specific to the tree and doses lethal to honeybees
have been found in the
flower nectar of treated
plants. Labeled directions
on off the shelf products
often do not give enough
warning of possible harm to
pollinators. For more information, including management, see the following;
UC IPM Pest Note
Center for Invasive Species
Field bindweed
This quarter’s weed is field bindweed, Convolvulus arvensis, also commonly called orchard morning
glory. It is part of the same family, Convolvulacae, as its close cousin morning glory, in the Ipomea
genus. Field bindweed is a tough-to-control invasive perennial found throughout California. It spreads
from an extensive rootstock and from seed. Roots capable of budding are found to depths of 14 feet.
Once it gets an established root system, simply pulling off the
tops does little good unless done diligently over a period of
time. It has been included in the list of “Worst Weeds of California.” Three practices can reduce the possibility of introducing
field bindweed: 1. purchase and plant clean seed and ornamental
stock, 2. remove any seedlings before they become perennial
plants, and 3. prevent any plants from producing seed. For more
information on identification and control of this weed see UCIPM pest note # 7462. Other sources of information include:
Washington fact sheet & Univ. of Nevada.
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Strawberry Tree & Lilies
Arbutus unedo (strawberry
tree) is an evergreen
shrub or small tree in
the family Ericaceae native
to the Mediterranean region and western Europe
north to western France and Ireland.
It grows to 25 feet tall with serrated, dark green,
glossy leaves 2-4 inches long, and is hardy in
Zones 8–10. The hermaphrodite flowers bloom in
autumn and are white (rarely pale pink), bellshaped. They are pollinated by bees and the fruit
is a red rough berry about ½ inch in diameter. It
requires little maintenance in terms of pruning,
mostly to remove suckers and any outliers that
interfere with other activities. The plant needs
well-drained soil, low to moderate soil moisture
and full sun or very light shade. Arbutus unedo is
naturally adapted to dry summer climates and has
become a very popular ornamental plant
in California. In the United States, Thomas Jefferson lists the plant in his Monticello gardens in
1778. The mature one depicted here is about 100
years old. Arbutus unedo ‘compacta’, a recently
propagated
smaller version,
grows to about
8-10 feet; more
in keeping with
smaller lots. For
more info, click
here.
Lee Miller
Master Gardener
Asiatic and Oriental lilies are
the two most popular types of
lilies. Asiatic lilies are among
the easiest to grow. They're
very hardy, need no staking,
and are not particularly fussy
about soil, as long as it drains
well. Bulbs are readily available for planting in late March
and April. Oriental lilies have
become increasingly popular, due to their large, exotic (often frilly)
blooms and heavy, sweet perfume. The lilies grown today are the offspring of species that once grew wild in parts of Europe, Asia and
North America. These new hybrids are healthier and hardier than the
originals. Asiatic lilies bloom early, usually in June and July. Stems are
strong and erect, ranging in height from 1½ to 4½ feet. Most are hardy
enough to grow in USDA zones 3-10. Bulbs can be left in the ground
and multiply readily when planted in an ideal location. This is a great
benefit and requires no work on the part of the gardener. They can also
be grown in large containers. Fall or winter, before new growth begins,
is the best time to divide bulbs. This can be done about every 3-5 years.
Lily bulbs really do not go totally dormant and hence need to be replanted immediately or kept moist.
Lilies do best in loose, well-drained, soil in an area with partial shade.
Keep the roots shaded by planting between other plants or covering
with mulch. After blooms have faded, pinch them back to prevent seed
pod formation. This will increase the number of flowers in future seasons. Lilies planted in late instead of early spring may not bloom or
grow much foliage. If left undisturbed, they will perform well in years
to come.
Oriental lilies are the latest to bloom (late July or August), and also the
most exotic. They bare big (up to 9 inch), fragrant flowers. Most Oriental lilies are tall, with nodding flowers, but a few species are dwarf and
have upward facing blooms. More information can be found here.
Some of the above was from: Lilies Add an Exotic Look to the Garden,
by Judy Feather, Colorado Master Gardener, Denver, CO.
Little Ollie
Little Ollie, Olea europaea 'Montra’ is a fruitless and bloomless multi-stemmed olive that grows
to about 6-12 feet, depending on which nursery source you look at, and is suitable as an evergreen
shrub in landscapes, containers or used for bonsai. It likes full sun and, after being well established,
is drought tolerant in landscapes. In containers, water more frequently and replant every 2 years to
larger containers or prune the roots to keep it small. It can also be used for hedges or screens. It is
hardy in zones 8-10 and is salt tolerant and deer resistant.
Problems according to Fine Gardening magazine: Olive knot, Verticillium wilt, mushroom root rot,
lesion nematode, and Southern blight. Scale insects are common.
For more information, click here.
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Growing Knowledge
Useful Books and Websites
Lee Miller
Master Gardener
Gathering—Memoir of a Seed Saver
2011, by Diane Ott Whealy, published by Seed Savers Exchange, 243 p.
This is a memoir that tells the history of the Seed Savers Exchange; how it started and how it progressed over the
years to become the preeminent non-profit seed-saving organization serving gardeners and others by preserving our
plant genetic heritage. As a long-time member of SSE, this book was an inspiring, interesting and joyful read. I
learned the difficulties, sacrifices, sweat and tears that Diane and husband, Kent Whealy, expended starting this organization and making it into the force for good that it is today.
It started out so simply. In 1974, Diane worried that two heirloom seeds that her great grandfather brought to Iowa
from Germany would be lost for all time if she had not accepted stewardship of them upon the death of her grandfather, Bob Ott. One was a blue morning glory with a red center which is now known as Grandpa Ott’s morning glory
and the other was German Pink, an heirloom tomato. These two seeds launched a movement to save many seeds that
were in danger of being lost due to changes in seed marketing and the promotion of hybrid seeds after WWII. Historically, people brought their seeds with them when immigrating to the United States—seeds with a provenance of being
a family possession for a good chunk of history. If there were no gardeners in the next generation to hand these seeds
on to, extinction of that seed variety was highly probable.
The book starts out describing Diane’s childhood, her family relationships and the farm culture in which she grew up.
She did a lot of canning and preserving as a youth, a practice that remained with her for life. She left home after high
school with some of her high school friends and ended up in Denver as a waitress. She met Kent Whealy, they married, started a family and homesteaded together in Iowa, then Oregon and Kansas. They finally built their own home
from scratch in Missouri. It was here that SSE was born. It was actually called The True Seed Exchange in the beginning and the first yearbook in 1975 consisted of 29 members who had corresponded with them after reading letters by Kent in back-to-the-land publications such as the Mother Earth News. The second yearbook was published
with 142 members who had corresponded with them. The yearbooks described seeds that each contributor had available for exchange or for other
gardeners to obtain, grow and save.
In 1978, they added the names of 19 seed catalogues that were rich with heirloom seeds and useful information for gardeners. In 1979, they decided to
change the name to Seed Savers Exchange which better described their mission to save seeds from extinction and exchange them with other like-minded
gardeners. One of their fortuitous contacts was with John Withee, a Maine
gardener who had collected over a thousand varieties of bean seeds. He donated his entire collection to SSE in 1979.
Some of the highlights of SSE phenomenal success and growth are:
1.
2.
3.
Campouts of seed savers from around the country started in 1981 and continue to this day. The first campout
was of 12 like-minded seed savers who jelled into a close-knit supportive group. Campouts now draw hundreds of visitors each summer to hear speakers and visit the facilities.
A garden seed inventory was compiled that took Kent 3 years, listed 239 companies, and 6,000 openpollinated seeds.
The Rodale institute helped with a grant that allowed Kent to quit his day job and devote all his energy to
SSE.
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Growing Knowledge
Useful Books and Websites Continued
4.
5.
6.
7.
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SSE needed grow-out land to renew the viability of their seed collection, hence a move to Iowa in 1984 for more land
was necessary. The purchase of a 57 acre farm occurred in November 1986 and their friend Gary Naban suggested the
name of Heritage Farm which all agreed was apt.
In 1990, Kent was granted a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellowship which helped them, greatly,
as so much had been sacrificed financially to start the organization.
Other foundations and support followed and they first built an office building followed by the Lillian Goldman Visitors Center, a large open beam structure. Both were built by Amish carpenters.
More acreage was added to Heritage farm over the years. The purchase of Twin Valleys farm added 716 acres in the
1990’s to give them a great nature area and a buffer against future development.
There is much more to this book than this time line I have described. While working and guiding this organization, Diane
raised five children. The dedication, the warm relationships, the camaraderie of friends, staff and board creating this institution
is an amazing story which supports the often repeated quote of Margaret Mead. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful
committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
At the recent Eco-Farm Conference, the author was a speaker. I took the opportunity to share our early farm experiences, and
have her sign this book and she did-- ‘To Lee Miller, a fellow German Pink fan.’ As a longtime member of SSE, I couldn’t
have been more pleased.
New Snail and Slug Active Ingredient
Now Available in CA
Cheryl Wilen Area IPM Advisor
For the last 30 years, home gardeners have been using mollusk (snail and slug) baits that contain metaldehyde. About 10
years ago, iron phosphate came on the market and is now also widely used. Recently, a new active ingredient, sodium ferric
EDTA, has started showing up on the shelves. You can find this active ingredient in new formulations of Corry’s Slug &
Snail Killer as well as Dr. T’s Slug & Snail Killer, Slugexx, Ferroxx, Ironfist Slug & Snail Bait, and Amdro Snail Block Slug
& Snail Killer. Depending on the brand, they will contain 2 to 6% active ingredient. Although all these active ingredients are
effective against snails and slugs, there are important differences. Metaldehyde works very quickly, and your customers will
see foaming and dead snails by the morning if they apply it at night. However, metaldehyde can cause poisoning and even
death to dogs and other mammals that might feed on it.
Iron phosphate is much safer but also much slower acting. Snails may stop feeding on plants after consuming iron phosphate
baits but can take up to seven days to die. On the plus side, iron phosphate may be more effective during high humidity or
rainy conditions than metaldehyde.
The newest active ingredient, sodium ferric EDTA, works in a similar manner to iron phosphate but is somewhat faster (three
days instead of seven). Because EDTA is used to make the iron (ferric) more available and therefore kill the mollusks faster,
your customers should still be cautioned that these new products, as well as the others, ought to be used in a way so that pets
and children won’t be tempted to eat the pellets. Also point out that recommended application rates for sodium ferric EDTA
may be somewhat lower than iron phosphate. To be most effective, products containing any of these active ingredients should
be broadcast or spread, not piled, near areas where the mollusks are causing damage. Customers should also be reminded to
remove plant debris and other snail and slug hiding places as well as avoid overwatering, which increases mollusk activity.
For more information about snail and slug management, in a detailed format, see Pest Notes: Snails and Slugs.
This article was originally published in the March 2013 issue of the Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM
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Growing Knowledge
Useful Books and Websites
Lynne and Bill Gowdy Master Gardeners
GARDEN HOME: Creating a Garden for Everyday Living
By P. Allen Smith
Spring is finally here! It is time to complete your planning and bring your dream garden to realization. In the last two
issues of Garden Notes, we reviewed P. Allen Smith’s book, GARDEN HOME: Creating a Garden for Everyday Living, a valuable resource for garden design principles. Our first article included an inventory of questions to help identify the “big Idea” or theme of your garden, prioritize your goals and guide you through the development of your landscape. Now it is time to review your completed survey and fine-tune your plans. If you missed the survey in the Fall
Garden Notes Issue, click here to access the survey.
Smith’s “Twelve Principles of Design” divide naturally into two categories. The first six elements covered in the Winter Issue of Garden Notes include the elements that create the structural framework for gardens: Enclosure, Shape and
Form, Framing the View, Entry, Focal Point and Structures. They form the structural framework for gardens. The next
six principles add the decorative, finishing touches of charm, pleasure and personality. Color, Texture, Pattern and
Rhythm, Abundance, Whimsy, Mystery and Time will be featured in this newsletter. Once again, we have included
Internet links to help you visualize and understand each Principle. Take time to enjoy the Links.
Vibrant photographs and well-written text define and illustrate each of Smith’s last six Garden
Design Principles. Smith first explains the importance of Color in our lives. He states that
Color is subjective and we all view it in our own personal way. Preference for certain colors
comes from our life experiences, the context in which the color is seen, and the interplay of
light and shadows. He encourages us to be “…bold and generous with color in the garden….”
We should strive to create a green framework that gives your garden consistency. Green and
grays harmonize with other color combinations. He suggests using only one color theme for
each garden area or garden room and that color scheme should compliment your home both
inside and outside. Use of color is personal and expressive. It creates moods and illusions.
The intensity of sunlight, moonlight and shadow intermingle to enrich your garden design.
Finally, remember that broad sweeps of color are more effective than small, scattered splashes
of many colors.
This time of the year every gardener is excited by the colorful displays of dazzling blooms at
Garden Centers. Often gardeners purchase trees, shrubs and flats of flowers without knowing
exactly where they are going to plant them. The foliage color and texture of a plant is just as
important as its bloom. Most plants bloom for only a short time therefore it is the foliage
color and texture, planting patterns and repetition or rhythm of plants that provides visual impact, layers of richness and interest to garden landscapes. When plants are repeated in a landscape they provide a predictable consistency and harmony. Plants placed closely together
quicken the rhythm in the garden while the same plants spaced further apart slow down the rhythm.
Abundance gives gardens richness and provides a bold statement about the landscape. In nature, plants often grow in
large groups with spaces between each group as they naturalize. Smith suggests designing your garden much the same
way. Select your favorite “workhorse” plants and use them throughout your landscape. These plants must be favorites that are reliable, hardy and pest-free. Smith advises us to use this group of plants throughout the garden and then
fill in the rest of the space with accent plants. Plant early, middle and late blooming flowers to extend your garden’s
bloom time. You will know that you have achieved abundance when you cut bouquets to bring in to your home or
share with friends without missing them in the garden.
Whimsical features add enjoyment, delight, humor, and unexpected surprises to your garden. They can include garden
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Growing Knowledge
Useful Books and Websites Continued
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fairies, gnomes, sprites, sculptures, playful animals, scarecrows, birdhouses, unusual plants or fantasy objects. They also can
be ordinary objects used in extraordinary ways such as an old metal bed frame used as a flowerbed, bicycle wheel trellises or
Tinker Toy structures for supporting vegetables. A theme of whimsical objects throughout your garden can create harmony,
consistency and personality to your landscape. Serendipity – a pleasant, unexpected surprise or discovery of something fortunate – is also a form of whimsy.
Nature is full of mystery. Creating mystery in your garden is all about using your imagination to pique interest and anticipation
that a surprise awaits the visitor around the next turn. Visitors are invited to explore hidden areas, secret gardens, sights, smells,
sounds, moonlight and even use their sense of touch to promote emotional responses. Smith finishes by stating that, “A garden
without mystery would be a dull one, indeed.”
Finally, Smith concludes his Elements of Design with “Time.” He encourages gardeners to design their landscape with plants
and materials that are appropriate to the age of the house and its architectural style. Garden ornaments and structures made
from original materials age with a patina that is real and consistent with the style, design, and surroundings.
Our three articles in Garden Notes are only a starting point for learning about the Smith’s Twelve Principles of Garden Design.
Gardening books, magazines, Master Gardener Newsletters, workshops, garden tours and the Internet will provide you with an
abundance of ideas.
Take time, plan wisely and start small. Use the many available Master Gardener resources to help you with your gardening
needs. Follow the links below to learn more about landscape design and creating the garden of your dreams.
Click on the Internet links below for more information about each of Smith’s Design Principles. These sites include text, slideshows and videos that clarify every aspect of landscape design.
Enjoy your unique journey!
Design Principles
12 Principles of Design
Abundance
12 Principles of Design Slide Show
Abundance
Color
Whimsy
Color
Whimsy
Color
Mystery – Slide Show
Color - Annuals
Mystery – Creating Mystery
Texture, Pattern and Rhythm
Time
Texture, Pattern and Rhythm
Portfolio Slide Show of Projects (Click Portfolio to
view)
Texture, Pattern and Rhythm
Portfolio Slide Show of Projects (Click Portfolio to
view)
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Attracting Frogs and Toads
Continued from page 1
Susan Price Master Gardener
Creating or enhancing our backyard habitats to provide safe haven for these creatures should help return native wildlife to our urban gardens.
According to Edgar Ortega, of the Central Valley Herpetological Society, a group of reptile and amphibian enthusiasts, San Joaquin County is home to a handful of amphibian species, a few of which are quite common and can be
easily encountered even in urban areas. Among these, the Pacific Chorus Frog (Pseudacris sierra) and the California
Toad (Anaxyrus boreas halophilus), are the most common. Other species include the American Bull Frog (Lithobates
catesbeianus), the Western Spadefoot Toad (Spea hammondii), the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense), the California Red-legged Frog (Rana draytonii), and the California Newt (Taricha torosa).
The Pacific Chorus Frog (pictured right) is perhaps one of the
most welcome inhabitants. They are responsible for the majority
of the “frog noise” we hear on warm nights, offering a relaxing
and dynamic element to gardens—although in large numbers the
calls can be quite loud. Ortega describes this species as small
frogs (about 2”) ranging in color from a dark brown/gray to bright
green. They have small toe pads at the tips of their fingers, which
distinguish this species from other frogs in our area. In November
and July, these frogs congregate for breeding and egg-laying in
bodies of water—including artificial ponds. The species often
hides under rocks and logs, with females laying and attaching their
egg clusters to vegetation in shallow areas.
Another common species in San Joaquin County, adds Ortega, is
the California Toad (pictured below), a larger amphibian (up to 5”) with dry, warty skin that spends much of its time
in burrows, or under rocks and logs, while emerging during wet seasons to frequent water edges for breeding season.
Appearing, seemingly, from out of nowhere when the rains hit, California toads are often found in urban and suburban
areas and yards, especially in areas near agriculture fields. This species will also utilize artificial naturalistic ponds for
breeding purposes. California toads will, however burrow themselves in loose soil, so keep this in mind if you have
vegetation you don’t want disturbed near your pond. Another thing to
consider is that this species defends itself by secreting poison from its
parotid glands and warts, which may be an issue if you have cats and
dogs with access to your pond. Dogs, especially, are known for going
after these toads.
How do we make our gardens attractive to these unsung heroes? The
best approach is to replicate, as much as possible, their natural habitat.
The more naturalistic the setting, the better. Those of us with moist,
shady gardens may already have some amphibians living among them.
Areas next to agricultural fields, irrigation ditches, lakes, natural
ponds, or other bodies of freshwater are likely host locations for amphibians. Preferred habitat for each species may differ somewhat, but all must offer a place to reproduce, feed, sun
themselves, shelter and hibernate. Most amphibians live in water in some life stages and on land in others, laying
their eggs in water or moist locations (like rotten logs, leaf litter or in riverbanks). Frogs’ young, called tadpoles, live
in the water but as adults they live mostly on land. Salamanders have aquatic young called larvae. Out of the water,
most amphibians seek shelter under rocks, logs or burrows.
Gardeners wishing to create habitat in their own gardens need to simulate these elements. Most important in this
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equation is water, easily provided by creating a pond. To attract amphibians, the pond needs to offer both sun and shade, and
have a shallow end for easy access. Rocks, logs or fallen limbs protruding out of the water provide nice, natural sunning
sites. Additional plants, brush piles, rock outcroppings etc. situated nearby should provide shelter.
Although tempting, don’t remove amphibians from wild areas and put them in your yard. They often try to return to where
they came from, usually getting killed in the process. Instead, create an inviting habitant and wait for your amphibian friends
to find you on their own. It may take a while—1-2 years even, but it should be well worth it.
We can make our gardens more hospitable to amphibians (and most other
wildlife) by resisting the urge to keep our gardens too neat and tidy. We
need to leave areas for wildlife to feed and seek shelter from predators.
For example, we can leave some leaves and other debris on the ground to
attract insects for food. Larger rock, brush or wood piles can provide
cover. Ortega recommends adding outdoor lighting near your pond as
this attracts insects, which will, in turn, attract amphibians. Properties
with outdoor pets, especially cats, will have a harder time attracting and
keeping wildlife around. One final thing we can all do to invite more
wildlife in our gardens, whether it is frogs, toads, birds or butterflies, is to
use pesticides sparingly, so that we don’t kill off their food supply.
For further details:
California reptiles and amphibians
Creating a pond: UCANR Publication, “Creating a Garden Pond for Wildlife”
Create a cozy home using a
terra cotta pot partially buried
in the ground.
“Attract Reptiles and Amphibians to Your Yard”
Building or buying toad abodes
Useful Garden Websites
San Joaquin County
Master Gardeners
Our site is full of information on gardening. We are
continually adding information to this site. Have
questions? We have answers!
Seed Savers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and sharing
heirloom seeds. Members
have been passing on garden heritage by collecting
and distributing thousands
of samples of rare garden
seeds to other gardeners.
Garden Mosaics—
Connecting youth and elders to investigate the mosaic
of plants, people, and cultures in gardens, to learn
about science, and to act
together to enhance their
community.
American Rose Society— the American Rose
Society is the oldest single plant horticultural
society in America. Find
information on rose care
as well as beautiful pictures.
.
Tough, Trendy, Terrific Hypertufa
Betty Liske Master Gardener
ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO CONTAINERS FOR YOUR GARDEN
Garden containers, especially those larger ones that you need to keep your plants adequately watered in our valley summer heat, can be expensive! Also, depending on the
material they are made of, they can be pretty weighty when you need to move them
around to a better location. In addition, they come in some pretty standard shapes and
sizes. One-way around these issues: channel your inner crafter and artist to make, repurpose, or redesign your own!
Got a potter’s vision and desire, but maybe not so much skill with the potter’s wheel? Try
a more “play in the mud” method…make some hypertufa containers. Hypertufa is easy to
make and shape, lightweight, inexpensive, and long lasting. And it looks like the more
expensive cement or stone containers. You can move on later to making birdbaths,
benches, fountains, faux rocks and more. Hypertufa can be shaped in almost any way.
You can form the pot by spreading the mixture either on the inside or outside of your
mold. Inside will give you a smoother surface; outside will be rougher looking and will
allow you to add some design elements, looking more like the volcanic stone that it was
first created to look like. Another advantage of hypertufa containers is that, being porous,
the plant roots have better access to necessary oxygen.
The Materials: cement, peat moss, sand and water. Sometimes other ingredients or different
proportions can be used to enhance the texture or color. Moss, concrete dyes, and coloring
agents can also be added or used on the surface. You can use tools or stamps to create a design on your pot. You will also need a mold: a garden pot, bowl, bin, or box. In fact any shape
you find interesting that would work as a plant container is great. Note that interesting tufa
containers can also be made by digging its exterior shape in the ground, laying light weight
plastic sheeting over the form, and proceeding from there.
Links
For more examples and
instructions
visit these sites:
Martha Stewart
Home Depot
For more
photos, click
here.
For a video of
how to make
these pots, click
here.
The Process: Using a hoe or shovel, mix ingredients carefully in a tub or wheelbarrow, wearing gloves and a mask (cement dust is caustic). Start with concrete mix at bottom to help settle dust.
Add any optional dry additives, and mix with water (and any liquid additives) to the consistency of
cold peanut butter. Add water slowly in small amounts so as not to make it too loose. Some sources
recommend using a strengthening additive in the water. Let the mixture sit ten minutes then mix
again. Make corrections if the consistency is not right. Several formulas and detailed instructions are
given at this website.
Use some kind of release agent over or in your mold. Cover the mold with thin plastic sheeting, tucking in the folds so that the plastic does not stick in the mixture. You can use bubble wrap for an interesting surface. Or use WD 40, petroleum jelly, pan spray, or mold release. Start forming the mixture
at the bottom and work up, making the walls thick enough to prevent cracking. From ¾” for a small
pot to 2” for larger pots works best. Flatten the bottom and make one or more drainage holes while
still wet.
Allow your creation to set for 24 hours, realizing that it will still be very fragile. At this point you
have a chance to correct any “oops” factors. It will still be soft enough to work the bottom to be sure
it sits flat or to put in drainage holes if you forgot. You can also wire brush the surface to create a
rough appearance. Then let the pot cure for 4 to 6 weeks covered with plastic. A final rinse with white
vinegar will remove alkalinity, which might affect new plant roots.
Your finished pot can be further enhanced by using any decorative techniques you would use on other
(clay) pots such as painting or using a starter to add mold or moss to the surface. You can also plant
moss in any cracks or crevices in the surface of the pot; the peat in the mixture will provide a rooting
medium.
The variety of items that you can create for your garden is virtually unlimited! Check out the link to
see photos of creative possibilities. Let your inner child return to the sand box! Go head, play in the
dirt! Let your imagination soar!
The Garden Gate - Local Garden Clubs
Growing Strong … Part 1
Julie Hyske Master Gardener
As UC Master Gardeners many of our volunteer activities carry into and overlap local garden clubs. In fact,
many SJ Master Gardeners share affiliations with local garden clubs as both members and officers. Gardening that starts at home, can grow and develop far beyond your own front door. Becoming involved in a garden club allows you an opportunity to beautify your community’s backyard!
Local garden club members learn and share gardening tips not only with each other but they also sponsor
guest speakers. The gamut of topics is wide ranging including; water-wise gardens, growing heirloom tomatoes, hand-tied bouquets and fairy gardens. As one member related, the focus on learning new methods and
techniques allows her to come home after each month’s event to try out new ideas in her own yard. Another
member remarked that her club is “delightful” and shares their motto, “more fun, more outings, more solutions and more community involvement”.
Some of our area garden clubs work closely with youth in junior gardening projects that promote hands-on learning or help to
sponsor and direct school gardens. Many clubs scholarship high school youth who are continuing their education in a horticulture-related field. Other clubs reach out to the aged with therapeutic gardening, which brings gardening boxes to residential care facilities built at a height to accommodate gardeners who are seated or those that can't bend down. Many clubs beautify and maintain veteran’s memorials, cemeteries, and downtown revitalization projects.
If your interest includes developing your gardening skills and also serving your community becoming a member of a local
gardening club just might be for you. Clubs within our district not only promote gardening by exchanging information and
ideas but focus on floral design, landscaping, conservation of natural resources, flower judging and environmental responsibility. As a part of this developing series, information on local clubs within our area will be featured. Next quarter we will continue to highlight club activities, missions, goals and contact information for Lodi, Ripon, Oakdale, Linden & Modesto. Consider joining together with other garden club members in helping to make this world a more beautiful place! Remember, shine
up your green thumb and get involved in your local garden club!
STOCKTON GARDEN CLUB:
Area served: Stockton
Date of Inception: 1927 Membership: 57
Meetings: 1:00 p.m. September-May 2nd Thursday of the month
Location: First Congregational Church (old Mallard’s Restaurant) 2409 Brookside Rd
E-mail: [email protected] website: www.stocktongardenclub.com
Outreach projects for 2012-2013: S.J. Delta College Nursery Project, Stockton Beautification Project (tree planting) Scholarship funding
What makes us stand out: Civic beautification, conservation (Penny Pines Project), junior gardening and floral shows. Designated
members host topic presentations involving horticulture and floral design at monthly meetings. Monthly newsletter keeps members
aware of current and future events.
MANTECA GARDEN CLUB:
Area served: Manteca
Date of Inception: 1953 Membership: 69
Meetings: 12:30 p.m. social gathering, 1 p.m. scheduled speaker, 2 p.m. general meeting 3 rd Monday of each month September-June
Location: Manteca Public Library Mc Fall room, 320 W. Center
Website: http://www.mantecagardenclub.org
Outreach Projects: Maintenance of 61 bushes and trees at the Manteca Memorial Rose Garden, civic beautification projects, replanting
of public areas, scholarships, park beautification and senior activity center
What makes us stand out: Garden Tour 2nd Sunday of May each year
TRACY GARDEN CLUB:
Area served: Tracy and surrounding area
Membership: 28
Meetings: 6:30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday each month April –October Location: hosted at member’s homes
Contact: Jan @ [email protected] Coordinator
What makes us standout: March Kickoff event, Half Moon Bay nursery tour, November Spouses/Partners Potluck
Sharing gardening methods and interests.
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The Help Desk
Susan Price Master Gardener
Yams vs. Sweet Potatoes – What’s the Difference?
The answer is, plenty. Although we see both “yams” and “sweet potatoes” sold in our
local grocery stores, especially around the holidays, technically what we are buying are
different varieties of sweet potatoes. Yams are tropical fruits from the genus, Dioscorea
and are rarely seen in our grocery stores. There are over 600 varieties of yams--95% of
which are grown in Africa. Compared to sweet potatoes, yams are starchier and drier,
with rough, scaly skin, white flesh and a long cylindrical shape. Technically, they are
tubers.
Sweet potatoes are native to South America, from the genus Ipomoea (batatas). They
come from the Morning Glory family (Convolvulaceae). They are smooth with thinner
skin and are not a “potato” at all but the thickened root of a trailing vine. Sweet potatoes are sweeter and more nutritionally dense than yams, with far more Vitamin A (Beta
carotene) and C. While they can be grown almost anywhere in California, they produce best in sandy to loamy-sandy soils. They prefer temperatures from 85-95◦ F, and
are very sensitive to even light frost. This explains why Merced, Fresno and Stanislaus
Counties are the main producers in California
Sweet potatoes are quarantined in California due to the prevalence of the sweet potato weevil, a common
pest in the Southern growing states. Gardeners in San Joaquin County wishing to grow sweet potatoes
will need to start with certified disease-free or disease-resistant slips (root cuttings) from a mail order
nursery, e.g., Sandhill Preservation Center for large quantities or Jim Alvernaz, Grower, 209-756-6970,
for small quantities. Patient and motivated types can grow their own slips from purchased sweet potatoes
for planting in spring. For detailed planting instructions, click here. Keep in mind, our clay soils will
likely produce smaller yields and lesser quality.
If you have a
gardening
question, call
the Master
Gardeners
TuesdayThursday 9:00
am-12:00 pm
at 209-9536112 or by
e-mail
mgsanjoaquin
@ucdavis.edu
Three types of sweet potatoes are grown commercially: red- or rose-skinned (‘Garnet’ or ’Beauregard’),
orange-fleshed (‘Jewel’), and tan- or white-fleshed (‘Sweets’ or ‘Jersey’). The orange-fleshed varieties
are the ones most often sold as “yams.” It has a moist texture after being cooked and probably bears the
strongest resemblance to a true yam. Further explanation for the confusion is offered by the Library of
Congress:
Sweet potato varieties are classified as either ‘firm’ or ‘soft’. When cooked, those in the ‘firm’
category remain firm, while ‘soft’ varieties become soft and moist. It is the ‘soft’ varieties that
are often labeled as yams in the United States. Why the confusion? In the United States, firm
varieties of sweet potatoes were produced before soft varieties. When soft varieties were first,
there was a need to differentiate between the two. African slaves had already been calling the
‘soft’ sweet potatoes ‘yams’ because they resembled the yams in Africa. Thus, ‘soft’ sweet potatoes were referred to as ‘yams’ to distinguish them from the ‘firm’ varieties.
Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture requires labels with the term ‘yam’ to be accompanied by the
term ‘sweet potato.’ That should eliminate the confusion. Just remember, if you forget to read the fine
print, what you’re buying to make those yummy Candied Yams at Thanksgiving is most likely some variety of sweet potato.
Information sources and further reference:
Growing sweet potatoes in your home garden:
Sunset Western Garden Book (section on Sweet Potatoes)
North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension Service report, “What is the Difference Between a
Sweet Potato and a Yam?”
Sweet Potato Production in California: (climate, varieties, planting techniques, etc.)
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Recipes of the Season
Julie Hyske, Sue Davis & Susan Price Master Gardeners
Italian Stuffed Artichokes:
Yield 4
Ingredients
2 lemons
4 medium artichokes
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, leaves picked and finely chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
2 cups white wine
Directions
Cook's Note: Before starting this recipe be aware that there is a lot of waste involved in artichokes. It's ok. Just accept it and move
on.
Squeeze 1 lemon into a large bowl filled with water and place the lemon halves in the water.
Cut off the pointy tops of the artichokes. Remove and reserve the stem of the artichoke. Peel off the tough green outer leaves and
discard. .
Gently spread the leaves of the artichoke. Using a melon baller, scoop out the hairy "choke" in the center of the artichokes. When
clean reserve them in the lemon water. Remove the tough outer skin on the stems and reserve them in the lemon water as well.
In a small bowl combine the garlic, herbs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, and crushed red pepper. Finely chop the reserved artichoke
stems and add them to the bowl. Zest and juice the remaining lemon and add that to the bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until the
mixture forms a paste. Season with salt.
Stuff the artichokes with the paste. Place the artichokes standing up in a saucepan large enough to accommodate them. Add the
wine to the saucepan and enough lemon water to come 3/4 up the sides of the artichokes. Add the lemon halves to the pan also.
Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt. Cover the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook
for 15 to 20 minutes or until the base of the artichokes are tender when poked with a fork.
Serve hot or room temperature drizzled with generous amount of olive oil.
Asparagus Torta
Recipe:
2 lbs asparagus cleaned and trimmed
6 eggs
1 Tbsp virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1-1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
2 Tbsp virgin olive oil
Preheat oven to 375. Oil a 8x8x2 pan bottom and sides with 2 Tbsp olive oil.
Cook asparagus until tender and let cool. Cut asparagus into small pieces.
Beat eggs with 1 Tbsp of olive oil. Add asparagus, salt and pepper. Mix well. Add cheese and bread crumbs to the mixture. Pour
into prepared pan & drizzle a little olive oil on top. Bake for about 45 minutes. It should be nice and brown. Cool, cut into squares
and serve.
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Coming Events
APRIL
Saturday, April 6
UC Davis Arboretum: Spring Plant
Sale
9 am – 1 pm
Sale is open to the public. Members
save 10% off their purchases. Become
a new member at the sale to receive
10% off your purchases AND an additional $10-off coupon! Find out more
about becoming a member here. All
sales are held at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod Drive, UC Davis.
Experienced gardeners will be on hand
to help you choose the best plants for
your garden design and conditions.
Map Directions
Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13
San Joaquin Delta College Plant
Sale
9 am – 3 pm
Delta College horticultural demonstration garden (near Shima parking lot)
Featured plants will include several
varieties of bleeding hearts, coral
bells, coleus, and heirloom tomatoes.
Friday thru Sunday, April 12, 13 & 14
San Joaquin Orchid Society's 59th
Annual Orchid Show and Sale
Show hours: Fri-Sat. 10 am - 9
pm; Sun 11 am - 5 pm
Potting demos: Sat. 11am - 1 pm;
Sun.1 - 2 pm
Sherwood Mall, 5308 Pacific Ave.,
Stockton
Although the club has been around for
59 years, most of its members are hobbyists like you, exhibiting orchids they
have bloomed in their homes, patios
and greenhouses. They will be available to talk with you about how they
grow their orchids, including potting
demonstrations and educational displays. A beautiful basket of orchids
will be raffled off on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 pm.
Corinne Bachle
Saturday, April 13
Linden Community Garden Club Plant
Sale
9 am – 3 pm (rain or shine)
7440 N. Jack Tone Road (southeast corner
of Jack Tone and Comstock Roads), Linden
Large selection of perennials, annuals, succulents, herbs, veggies, shrubs, trees, and
hundreds of heirloom tomatoes. (No restrooms available.)
Saturday, April 13
San Joaquin Master Gardener Workshop: The War on Weeds
10 – 11:30 am
City of Stockton Delta Water Supply Project (Class size is limited. Please RSVP by
the Wednesday before class at (209) 9536100.)
11373 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi
Learn how to identify common weeds from
seedlings to maturity, and how to outsmart
and control them.
Sunday, April 14
Alden Lane Nursery: Orchids 101
10 – 11:30 am
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Sunday, April 14
UC Davis Arboretum: Garden Ideas Galore
2 pm
Arboretum Terrace Garden, next to Whole
Foods in the Davis Commons Shopping
Center, Downtown Davis
From containers to companion plants, get
easy ideas for your home garden during this
spring tour of the Arboretum’s Terrace Garden.
Saturday, April 20
San Joaquin Master Gardener Workshop: The War on Weeds
10:30 am – 12 noon
Manteca Library (Class size is limited.
Please RSVP one week before class at (209)
937-8221.)
320 W. Center Street, Manteca
Learn how to identify common weeds from
seedlings to maturity, and how to outsmart
and control them.
16
Master Gardener
Saturday, April 20
Alden Lane Nursery: Herbs I
1 – 2 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Saturday, Spril 20—Sunday, April 21
San Joaquin Home and Garden show
Hours: Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm; Sunday: 10:00am-5:00pm
Admission: $3.00.
Location: The Janssen-Lagorio Pavilion (at
the University of the Pacific), Stockton
California
Sunday, April 21
Alden Lane Nursery: Concrete Leaf
Class I
10 – 12 noon
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Sunday, April 21
Stockton Earth Day Festival
10am to 4pm | Victory Park Stockton
FREE ADMISSION
Saturday, April 27
“What’s Bugging your Garden?”
Common garden insects and how to control them presented by the San Joaquin
Master Gardeners.
2:00-4:00 pm at the Lodi Public Library
201 W. Locust St. Lodi
Saturday, April 27
UC Davis Arboretum: What’s New in
the Native Plant Garden?
2 pm, Buehler Alumni & Visitors Center
Tour the recently renovated pathways and
plantings in the Mary Wattis Brown Garden of California Native Plants for examples of native plants that work well in
home landscapes. Parking is available for
free on weekends in the South District
Parking Structure near the Mondavi Center
for Performing Arts, at Old Davis Road
and Hilgard Lane.
Cont. pg 15
Coming Events (Cont. pg. 16)
Sunday, April 28
UC Davis Arboretum: Spring Plant
Sale
9 am – 1 pm
Sale is open to the public. Members
save 10% off their purchases. Become a
new member at the sale to receive 10%
off your purchases AND an additional
$10-off coupon! Find out more about
becoming a member here. All sales are
held at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery,
Garrod Drive, UC Davis. Experienced
gardeners will be on hand to help you
choose the best plants for your garden
design and conditions. Map Directions
Sunday, April 28
Alden Lane Nursery: Concrete Mushroom Class
10 – 11 am
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
MAY
Sunday, May 5
Alden Lane Nursery: Fairy garden
Workshop
2 – 3 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Saturday, May 11
San Joaquin Master Gardener Workshop: “Herbalicious”
10 – 11:30 am
City of Stockton Delta Water Supply
Project (Class size is limited. Please
RSVP by the Wednesday before class at
(209) 953-6100.)
11373 N. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi
Join us and learn how to create a handy
herb garden for zesty cooking.
Saturday, May 11
UC Davis Arboretum: Water-wise…
and Colorful!
2 pm, Ruth Risdon Storer Garden
A water-conserving garden can be full of
flair. See what colors are popping in the
Ruth Risdon Storer Garden this spring.
Saturday, May 11
Manteca Garden Tour
10 am – 3 pm
Tickets: $15 for ticket locations
Saturday, May 18
San Joaquin Master Gardener Workshop: “Herbalicious”
10:30 am – 12 noon
Manteca Library (Class size is limited.
Please RSVP one week before class at
(209) 937-8221.)
320 W. Center Street, Manteca
Join us and learn how to create a handy
herb garden for zesty cooking.
Saturday, May 18
UC Davis Arboretum: Spring Plant
Sale (clearance sale)
9 am – 1 pm
Sale is open to the public. Members save
10% off their purchases. Become a new
member at the sales to receive 10% off
your purchases AND an additional $10off coupon! Find out more about becoming a member here. All sales are held at
the Arboretum Teaching Nursery, Garrod
Drive, UC Davis. Experienced gardeners
will be on hand to help you choose the
best plants for your garden design and
conditions. Map Directions
Saturday, May 18
Alden Lane Nursery: Herbs II
1 – 2 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Saturday, May 18
Linden Cherry Festival
18100 Front St.
Linden, CA 95236
Sunday, May 19
Alden Lane Nursery: Leaf Painting
2 – 3 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Thursday, May 23
Raising Chickens in Your Backyard
Lodi Public Library Community Room
7:00 pm—9:00 pm
201 W. Locust St. Lodi
JUNE
Saturday, June 1
Alden Lane Nursery: Orchids 101
10 – 11:30 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
Saturday, June 8
Drops and Dollars: Saving Water, Saving Money
10 – 11:30 am
City of Stockton Delta Water Supply Project (Class size is limited. Please RSVP
by the Wednesday before class at (209)
953-6100.) 11373 N. Lower Sacramento
Road, Lodi
Want to save money in your wallet and
water in the landscape? Don’t miss this
class!
Saturday, June 8
Alden Lane Nursery: Terrariums Class
2 – 3 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
June 12—June 16
San Joaquin County Fair
Buildings: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Midway: 12 p.m. to Midnight
Carnival Hours: 12 p.m. to Midnight
Exhibit and Livestock Hours: 12 p.m. to
10 p.m. Parking $5
$3 Adults - 13 and Older
Children 12 and under FREE
Saturday, June 15
Drops and Dollars: Saving Water, Saving Money
10:30 am – 12 noon
Manteca Library (Class size is limited.
Please RSVP one week before class at
(209) 937-8221.)
320 W. Center Street, Manteca
Want to save money in your wallet and
water in the landscape? Don’t miss this
class!
Saturday, June 15
Alden Lane Nursery: Herbs III
1 – 2 pm
981 Alden Lane, Livermore
(925) 447-0280
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18
Garden Chores (continued from page 2)
nary jack-o-lantern.
As temperatures rise, increase the frequency of irrigation.
Deep-water established plants often enough to prevent wilt
and promote deep rooting, but don't water more than necessary (check soil moisture around roots by using a moisture
meter probe or digging down with a trowel).
Lawns –
Winter’s lack of rain
combined with the low
night temperatures has
been hard on many
lawns, making them
look bleached. Fertilize
now with a balanced
slow release or organic
fertilizer according to
directions on the package. Organic fertilizers
feed at a slower rate,
but will eventually provide a lush result. If crabgrass has been a problem in past
years, you may want to consider treating lawn with a preemergent/fertilizer mix. These are available to homeowners
in garden centers. In order for your gardener to apply preemergents, they need to be licensed through the state and
county. As always, help preserve our waterways by avoiding
getting granules on hardscapes, or if you do, make sure to
sweep them up.
May
Plant May is the optimum planting month for annuals. Flowers in
six packs are a good buy. They'll catch up quickly to those
growing in 4-inch pots and jumbo packs. (To produce instant
color for a special event, use 4-inch plants.)
Summer-blooming vines, grown up a narrow structure, add
color and height to even the smallest gardens. Before planting, set a sturdy structure with enough height and heft to
support your vine in place (adding a structure later is difficult). As shoots grow, train them to the support with selfgripping Velcro, plant tape, or twist ties.
For vertical accents in borders, grow tall, upright bedding
plants behind shorter ones. For a fall crop of beautiful chrysanthemum flowers, start planting seeds this month.
Tomato and pepper transplants can be planted this month.
Seeds of pumpkins, beans, corn, squash, cucumbers, and
melons can be sown in the garden around the middle of this
month. For interesting and unusual fall decorations, consider
growing pumpkins or winter squash that are not your ordi-
For maximum flavor, don't let zucchini get more than 8-10
inches long before harvesting. Although carrots become
sweeter with age, be sure to pick them before they take on a
woody texture. Snow peas are ready to be picked when the
peas are just beginning to swell in the pods. Snap peas taste
best when the pod is plump, but the skin is still shiny, not
dull.
Pest Control –
Snail and slug control products that contain iron phosphate
or sodium ferric are reportedly non-toxic to your pets. Strip
aphids from plants by hand or dislodge them with a blast or
two from the hose.
Maintenance –
Don't remove your bulbs from the ground until the foliage is
dry and crisp.
Lawns –
Lawns that get a lot of heavy foot traffic may have compacted soil, making it difficult for water, fertilizer, and oxygen to reach the roots. If you can't push a screwdriver up to
its handle into the turf, it's time to aerate. Besides compaction, lawns on heavy clay soil, or those on a steep slope
(10:1) to the street should be aerated. It is important to use
an aerator that either produces a core or a water wash to dig
holes. Spike aerators just add to compaction. If you are
using a machine aerator, be sure to mark and avoid all sprinkler heads. Some machine aerators require a lawn to be
moist, but not soggy. Irrigate a day or two before aeration if
soil is dry. Keeping your mower set at the highest or next to
the highest blade setting will help keep your fescue lawn
healthy through the summer. Water your lawn early in the
morning (2 am to 6 am) to discourage fungal diseases.
June
Plant Choose a variety of flower shapes and colors and plant them
in clumps of the same type of flower to attract bees. Look
for flowers and plants that are native to our area for growing
ease in addition to serving as an attractant for honey bees.
There’s still time to
get beans, corn, cucumbers, eggplant,
peppers, pumpkins
(start now for Halloween), summer
squash, and tomatoes in the ground.
GA RDEN
NOT ES
P AGE
Garden Chores
19
(continued from page 2)
These warm-season plants grow well as soil heats up but need lots of irrigation. Gauge how many plants you need and water
consistently all summer.
Instead of growing thirsty annual flowers in your pots this summer, consider colorful perennial succulents that don’t need a lot
of water. Be sure to plant in fast-draining cactus potting soil.
Plant Thai basil and cilantro now, and you’ll have fresh herbs all summer and beyond. Both annuals love sun and ample water, and do well in pots. Start basil from
seedlings. Because cilantro germinates quickly, sow seeds directly in the container.
Begin harvesting when plants reach 6 inches tall.
Pest Control –
Watch for insects feeding on your veggies. Be sure to check tomatoes for hornworms and stink bugs. Also look for squash bugs on squash and pumpkins. Handpick the critters and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. If you are not squeamish, you can also step on them or cut them in half with pruners. For more information about management of these insects, check out the University of California Integrated Pest Management site.
Dry summer conditions are perfect for powdery mildew, a white fungal disease, which forms on both sides of leaves. Cosmos,
crape myrtles, delphiniums, and roses can be quite susceptible, especially if growing in shade. Treat with a plant-based oil such
as neem oil or jojoba oil.
Maintenance Support tomato vines with wire cages, stakes or a trellis, so the fruit won’t spoil if it rests on the ground. Feed the plants with a
low-nitrogen fertilizer when the fruit starts to develop (too much nitrogen encourages rampant foliage rather than more fruit).
Keep the soil damp but not soggy and mulch the tomato plants to conserve moisture. Water plants early in the day to ensure
maximum growth and minimum disease problems. Plan to water deeply every 7 to 10 days or whenever the soil is dry at a
depth of 3 inches.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve water. Wood chips, used as mulch around plants, can suppress weeds, conserve soil
moisture and enhance the plants' root growth.
Lawns Both warm and cool season lawns should be fertilized now.
Most lawns only need to be watered two or three times a week. A deep, thorough watering could lower that total to once per
week.
During the summer heat, your lawn needs about two inches of water per week. To find out how much water your sprinklers are
applying to your lawn, place several flat bottomed containers (such as tuna fish cans) around your lawn, turn on the sprinklers
for a half hour, and then measure the water in the containers. Adjust your sprinkler time accordingly
Going on Vacation? –
Water all houseplants thoroughly before leaving. Then, place them out of direct sunlight to help them retain moisture.
If you have automatic sprinklers, make sure that the control unit's backup battery is fresh, thus averting a lawn and garden disaster in case of a power outage while you're gone. Don't fertilize your lawn or plants in the two weeks prior to your vacation. The
new growth will require more water while you're away. Remove fading or dead rose blooms before you go on vacation. Cutting
stems back to a five leaf growth node will encourage strong new shoots.
Information for this article was gathered from:
www.ucanr.org
www.ipm.ucdavis.edu
www.sunset.com/garden
www.farmerfred.com
UC Master Gardeners
2101 E Earhart Ave
Ste 200, Stockton, CA, 95206
Phone: 209-953-6112
E-mail: [email protected]
Web-site: http://sjmastergardeners.ucdavis.edu
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